Relocating with children

Relocating with children can be a daunting task for everyone involved, it requires a sensitive transition which involves moving a number of precious possessions and starting a fresh life for each member of the family. During family relocation, everyone will handle the transition in different ways, but it can be especially tough for the younger members of the family who may find it harder to cope with the change. Children, specifically older children, may be more reluctant to move as this means leaving behind peer groups and changing the routine they are used to.

First and foremost it is essential to enrol your child into a suitable school, either one that follows the same or similar curriculum or if they haven’t started school before the move, one that you feel will be the most appropriate. Following this, the next step would be to focus on the smaller, yet significant, matters that arise throughout the relocation process, for example keeping their favourite toy or same foods for breakfast, some of which can be anticipated but others will have to be taken as they come.

Communicating with your child is crucial, understanding their anxieties and hesitations during the process will make it easier to provide the necessary help. Whilst many children will want to stay in touch with friends back home via email or phone, they also need to try and socialise at their new school. Involving them in extra-curricular activities and participating in parental groups yourselves can ease the transition into the new school and peer groups.

Prior to the move it would be beneficial to include children in any discussions involving their new home and environment, research the local areas and find places that will particularly excite the child, whether a sports team, club or theme park. Once the move has taken place the child’s routine should remain as similar to the previous one as possible, so they are not too unsettled during the transition. The initial excitement of the move may begin to dwindle a couple of months into the assignment and homesickness is likely to form at some point, but keeping them occupied and communicating with them are essential steps to help the whole family settle in.

Garrington Relocation has helped dozens of families with hugely successful relocation assignments with older children and teenagers. We attribute this to helping the family to settle into their new home quickly and effectively, by researching local attractions for family days out and ensuring that the parents can focus on the children during the transition. With the help of the right relocation professional, relocating with family can be smooth process and everyone can find the assignment incredibly rewarding.